How many Zelda games have been released?

The Evolution of The Legend of Zelda: A Comprehensive Look at the Series’ 29 Games

The Legend of Zelda series has been a beloved and iconic part of the gaming world for over three decades. From its humble beginnings on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) to its current status as a multi-platform phenomenon, the series has grown and evolved in ways both big and small. In this article, we’ll take a comprehensive look at the 29 games that make up the Legend of Zelda franchise, exploring their development, release, and impact on the gaming world.

A Brief History of the Zelda Series

The first Legend of Zelda game was released in 1986 for the NES, developed by a young Shigeru Miyamoto and released by Nintendo. The game’s unique blend of action-adventure gameplay, exploration, and puzzle-solving captivated players worldwide, establishing the series as a flagship title for the console.

Over the years, the series has undergone numerous transformations, with each new installment building upon the successes of its predecessors. From the introduction of 3D gameplay in Ocarina of Time to the innovative physics and art style of Skyward Sword, the Zelda series has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in game design.

The Current State of the Series

Today, the Legend of Zelda series comprises 29 games, spanning multiple Nintendo consoles and platforms. Here is a list of all the games in the series, in the order they were released:

1. The Legend of Zelda (1986, NES)
2. Zelda II: The Adventure of Link (1987, NES)
3. A Link to the Past (1991, Super Nintendo Entertainment System)
4. Link’s Awakening (1993, Game Boy)
5. Ocarina of Time (1998, Nintendo 64)
6. Majora’s Mask (2000, Nintendo 64)
7. Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages (2001, Game Boy Color)
8. Four Swords and Four Swords Adventures (2002-2003, Game Boy Advance and Nintendo GameCube)
9. The Wind Waker (2002, Nintendo GameCube)
10. The Minish Cap (2004, Game Boy Advance)
11. Twilight Princess (2006, Nintendo GameCube and Wii)
12. Phantom Hourglass (2007, Nintendo DS)
13. Spirit Tracks (2009, Nintendo DS)
14. Skyward Sword (2011, Wii)
15. A Link Between Worlds (2013, Nintendo 3DS)
16. Tri Force Heroes (2015, Nintendo 3DS)
17. Majora’s Mask 3D (2015, Nintendo 3DS)
18. Breath of the Wild (2017, Nintendo Switch and Wii U)
19. Link’s Awakening (2019, Nintendo Switch)
20. Cadence of Hyrule (2019, Nintendo Switch)
21. Zelda’s Adventure (1994, CD-i)
22. Zelda’s Anime Adventure (1995, CD-i)
23. Ancient Stone Tablets (1997, CD-i)
24. Faces of Evil and Wand of Gamelon (1993, CD-i)
25. Zelda’s Quest (1994, CD-i)
26. BS Zelda (1995-1997, Super Nintendo Entertainment System)
27. Hyrule Warriors (2014, Wii U)
28. Hyrule Warriors Legends (2016, Nintendo 3DS)
29. Tears of the Kingdom (2023, Nintendo Switch)

Key Statistics and Milestones

• Most Recent Release: Tears of the Kingdom (2023, Nintendo Switch)
• Longest-Gestating Game: Cadence of Hyrule (2019, Nintendo Switch), initially announced in 2016
• Oldest Game: The Legend of Zelda (1986, NES)
• Most Games in a Single Console Generation: 13 games (2001-2013, Nintendo GameCube, Game Boy Advance, and Nintendo DS)
• Highest-Grossing Game: Breath of the Wild (2017, Nintendo Switch and Wii U), over 17.4 million copies sold

Conclusion

The Legend of Zelda series has come a long way since its humble beginnings on the NES. With 29 games to its name, the series has established itself as a beloved and iconic part of gaming culture. From its innovative gameplay mechanics to its memorable characters and world-building, the Zelda series continues to captivate players of all ages.

As we look to the future, it’s clear that the series will continue to evolve and adapt to changing times and technologies. With new games and experiences on the horizon, fans of the series can rest assured that the Legend of Zelda will remain a vibrant and essential part of the gaming landscape for years to come.

Table of Games

Note: This table only includes the mainline Zelda games and not spin-offs or remasters.